Six people have been confirmed dead following a stampede that occurred during a Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) recruitment exercise at the El-Wak Sports Stadium in Accra on Wednesday morning.
According to an official statement released by the Ghana Armed Forces, the incident happened when hundreds of applicants, eager to secure a place in the national recruitment process, rushed the stadium gates as the exercise was about to begin.
Eyewitnesses report that the large turnout, combined with inadequate crowd control measures, created a chaotic scene as applicants jostled to enter the venue. Several individuals collapsed in the crush, while others sustained injuries and were transported to nearby health facilities for treatment.
The Ghana Armed Forces expressed deep regret over the tragic event, assuring the public that immediate measures are being taken to prevent a recurrence. “We are working closely with the Ghana Police Service and the National Ambulance Service to provide emergency support to victims and maintain order,” the statement said.
Officials from the Ghana National Fire Service and the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) were also at the scene to assist in rescue operations.
Authorities have since suspended the ongoing recruitment exercise at El-Wak Stadium as investigations continue into the cause of the stampede.
The tragic incident has sparked renewed debate about safety protocols and the management of mass recruitment exercises in Ghana, with many calling for improved crowd control systems and digitalized recruitment processes to prevent such loss of life in the future.
Written By Bernard Nii Ade Quaye | Kobby Kyei News
